Failure to Follow Food Safety and Sanitation Standards in Kitchen
Penalty
Summary
Surveyors observed multiple failures in the facility's kitchen regarding food safety and sanitation practices. A dietary aide was seen in the food preparation area without a beard or mustache covering, despite having facial hair. The dietary manager confirmed that all facial hair should be covered and that beard protectors were available, but the aide had not used one upon entering the kitchen. Later, the same aide was observed wearing a beard protector that did not fully cover his mustache while preparing lunch trays. During a tour of the walk-in refrigerator, several opened containers of pre-thickened liquids and milk were found without any opened or use-by dates labeled by staff. Although the manufacturer’s printed best-by dates were visible, the containers also included instructions to use the product within seven days of opening, which was not being followed due to the lack of labeling. The dietary manager acknowledged that without an opened date, it was impossible to determine how long the items had been stored, and that the facility was not adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines for use after opening. Additionally, an expired bottle of ground cloves was found, and a container of soy sauce that required refrigeration after opening was being stored at room temperature, contrary to manufacturer instructions. Interviews with the dietary manager and registered dietitian confirmed that the facility’s policy requires all food items to be labeled with the date received, the date opened, and the discard or use-by date, and that manufacturer guidelines for storage and use should be followed. The failures to properly label, date, and store food items, as well as to ensure appropriate use of hair restraints, had the potential to affect all residents receiving food from the kitchen. No residents were reported as NPO at the time of the survey.